In a nutshell

Pros

Smart design, very user-friendly, can be used until your baby is up to 2 years old

Cons

Folds flat but is very long, has quite a big 'footprint', fabric choices are all plain (which can be a good thing, depending on your taste)

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Our review

At first glance there’s little to distinguish the Baby Björn Babysitter Balance from other bouncy chairs, but it’s well worth a closer inspection as its charms lie in more than its smart good looks.Any parent will tell you that babies find nothing more soothing then being rocked gently, whether it’s in the arms of their mum or the comfort of a bouncy chair. With the Babysitter Balance your baby’s own movements are what create the ideal gentle rocking motion, and in the process your baby will start to develop fine motor skills and balance – and be kept content while you carry on with your chores. Of course, with your baby doing all the work, there’s no need for batteries or for you to keep pinging the chair to keep him moving.

For cooler weather there’s a Cozy Cover that fits over the top of the seat and wraps around your baby. It’s made from breathable soft terry fabric and will keep him warm and comfy. To keep him entertained while in the seat, there’s a tailor-made wooden toy to attach.

What we love

The fact that this seat can be used from birth right up until your baby is 2 makes this a durable piece of equipment (the harness is easily removed when your baby is big enough to get himself in and out), and a welcome change from the chairs that last just a few months.

The three recline positions (sleep, rest and play) mean it’s adaptable to your baby’s mood: if he’s sleepy, lie him back, if he’s playful, sit him up. Adjusting the recline is even possible with your baby in the seat, and there are no loud clicks to wake him up.

When not in use, the seat folds flat enough to tuck behind the sofa, and will easily fit in the boot of the car if you want to take it away with you.

The seat fabric is ergonomically designed for optimum comfort and support, even for a newborn’s delicate spine and because both seat and harness are reversible you can choose the colour to suit your mood or décor.

To keep the seat from slipping, there are anti-glide strips on the base; these will also ensure that the seat will not mark your flooring.

Because it’s machine washable, you know you’ll be able to keep it looking smart as long as your baby will be using it and as it offers great longevity, the price tag looks like a bargain.

What to watch out for

Although the Babysitter folds quite flat, it’s still quite big so storage in a very small home is not that easy. It takes up quite a bit of floor space when in use and the recline adjustment is a little difficult to reach when your baby is in the seat. The colours are all plain, so if you like bold patterns, these won’t be for you.

Who is the Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance best for?

Lovers of well-designed, functional equipment.

MadeForMums verdict

Longevity and adjustability give this seat a strong edge over many other bouncy chairs and its subtle design means it will fit in with any style of décor. It doesn’t really seem much smaller when folded and may seem a little plain compared to others, but this is a well-designed piece of baby equipment and will give years of good service.